Acapu
/ˌækəˈpuː/noun
A tropical South American tree, especially Vouacapoua americana, valued for its durable timber.
Did you know?Acapu timber was historically valued for heavy construction because it is exceptionally hard and durable, while the name preserves an Indigenous South American linguistic origin.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Colonial period
Tupi
akapu
“Indigenous name for a South American tree or its wood; the precise literal analysis is uncertain.”
18th Century
Portuguese
acapu
“Name for the Amazonian timber tree and its wood.”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
Vouacapoua americana
“Botanical name assigned to the principal species known as acapu.”
19th Century
English
acapu
“A tropical American tree producing hard, durable timber.”
Modern English
English
acapu
“A tree of the genus Vouacapoua, or its commercially useful wood.”
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